Neon Genesis Evangelion

Ritsuko Akagi:
How's it going? Are you getting along with him?

Misato Katsuragi:
Him? Oh, Shinji. Well, it's been two weeks since he started and he doesn't seemed to have changed. No one ever calls him.

Ritsuko Akagi:
Calls him where?

Misato Katsuragi:
Well, since I figured he'd be needing one I gave him a cellular phone. I don't think he's ever used it though… or received any calls. I'm not sure but I don't think he has any friends.

Ritsuko Akagi:
Well I would guess that Shinji isn't exactly the sort of person who makes friends easily.

Misato Katsuragi:
Mmmhhmmm.

Ritsuko Akagi:
Do you know the fable "The Hedgehog's Dilemma?"

Misato Katsuragi:
Hedgehog? You mean those animals with the spiny hair?

Ritsuko Akagi:
Even though a hedgehog may want to become close with another hedgehog. The closer they get the more they injure each other with their spines.

Misato Katsuragi:
Hmm.

Ritsuko Akagi:
It's the same with some humans. The reason he seems so withdrawn is because he's afraid of being hurt.

Misato Katsuragi:
Well, he's… just… going to have to learn… someday…. That part of growing up means finding a way to interact with others while distancing pain.